The Ituri Province in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to suffer from widespread violence against civilians amid conflict between two armed groups: CODECO/URDPC (Cooperative for the Development of the Congo/Union of Revolutionaries for the Defense of the Congolese People) and the Zaire militia.
This is according to a confidential United Nations expert report, revealed by various media outlets on Wednesday, July 2, 2025. The report accuses Uganda of backing two rebel leaders—Col. Innocent Kaina and Thomas Lubanga—who have allegedly resumed armed operations in the region.
The UN expert panel stated that CODECO/URDPC was responsible for the majority of reported abuses, including killings and attacks on internally displaced persons’ (IDP) camps.
The report says:
“The leadership of CODECO/URDPC failed to provide accountability for the serious abuses against civilians, showing tolerance of such behavior. Entire communities have been affected by child recruitment and conflict-related sexual violence, both of which are underreported.”
According to the UN experts, the deployment of Ugandan troops across the border into DRC worsened tensions in Ituri Province. The report also claims that the activities of Lubanga and Kaina appear to enjoy support from Ugandan authorities.
It reads:
“Uganda’s unilateral deployment of UPDF troops into Mahagi and Djugu territories in Ituri has escalated violence and may trigger ethnic tensions. Thomas Lubanga and Innocent Kaina—both under international sanctions—have each established military-political groups aimed at fighting the Congolese government. Both live in Kampala, where their presence and activities are tolerated by Ugandan officials.”
The report also notes that CODECO, URDPC, and Zaire militias continue to control gold mining operations in Djugu and Mahagi territories.
It states:
“Some provincial and national legislators have been involved in illegal gold mining operations, paying CODECO/URDPC in return. This illicit gold from Ituri continues to be smuggled, primarily through Kampala.”
In a briefing to the UN Security Council, Bintou Keita, the UN Secretary-General’s representative to the DRC, also condemned the emergence of two new armed groups in Ituri, led by former rebel commanders convicted of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
